There are various entries through which a PBOR can become an Officer in Indian Military. Although you cannot become a Commissioned Officer in the Air Force being a PBOR, you can become a Commissioned Officer in the Army or Navy. While Army has plenty of opportunities for a soldier to become a commissioned officer, the Navy has CW (Commissioned Worthy) Scheme and very rare – Special Duties (SD) Scheme. The CW Scheme, also earlier known as the Upper Yardmen Scheme – was used to select suitable candidates from the lower deck for promotion to the rank of Acting Sub-Lieutenant in all branches. Today, CW scheme has become a full-fledged entry for sailors to become officers. The selection under CW scheme is conducted bi-annually at six monthly intervals. PREPARE FOR THE SSB INTERVIEW
The CW Scheme offers young sailors an opportunity for grant of permanent commission in the Navy with an aim to select deserving sailors from all branches and give them appropriate in-service training so as to make them General List officers at par with the entrants through other schemes.
Non-Artificer sailors shall be under 22½ years of age and Artificers under 24 years of age as on 01 January of the year in which the course commences.
All cases of upper age limit relaxation up to one year are to be forwarded to IHQ of MoD(Navy) subject to the following :-
(a) An applicant should have applied for commission under the scheme whilst within the above prescribed age limit.
(b) An application for relaxation of age should be forwarded to IHQ of MoD(Navy)/DOP through the Administrative Authority and Bureau of Sailors.
(c) Relaxation of age limit under the power of the Chief of the Naval Staff will be considered after a candidate has qualified through the SSB/NSB.
Qualification:
Minimum educational qualification will be 10+2 with Physics and Maths.
A Non-Artificer sailor should have completed his induction training including 3rd class specialist qualification, where applicable, before appearing for the written examination.
An Artificer sailor should hold the rank of Artificer 5th class or higher.
Marital Status:
Sailors who are married will not be provided married accommodation nor allowed to live with their families while undergoing training. Those who are unmarried will not be allowed to marry till they become Sub Lieutenants.
Medical Standards
A sailor should be in medical category S 1 A 1. Those in temporary lower medical category may be permitted to apply but their cases shall be decided on merit by IHQ of MoD(Navy). Request for consideration in such cases should be forwarded immediately on promulgation of results of CW written examination. Such sailors will be directed to report for SSB only on approval of IHQ of MoD(Navy).
How to Apply?
Sailors desirous of grant of commission under this scheme should apply on the proforma placed at Appendix ‘A’. The Commanding Officer is to forward the applications to the Bureau of Sailors so as to reach by 30 Apr / 31 Oct each year. Commanding Officers, while completing the remarks column of an application, should consider power of expression, personal habits and moral conduct of the sailor.
All applications are required to be forwarded to CABS with appropriate remarks as to whether the sailor is ‘recommended’ or `not recommended’. In cases where the educational qualification mentioned in the Service Documents is below 10 + 2 with Physics and Maths, the original educational certificate is to be attached with the application form or submitted directly to Preliminary Screening Board. The date of application is to be endorsed on Page 13 of the Service Documents. If a candidate fails to qualify at any stage, a fresh application form is to be submitted for each subsequent attempt.
Selection Procedure
Preliminary Screening Board (PSB)
The Bureau of Sailors will scrutinise the applications for errors and correctness of the facts stated therein and forward the names of eligible candidates to the respective Administrative Authorities and IHQ of MoD(Navy) / (DOP/DNE) by 31 May / 30 Nov every year.
Depending on the number of candidates, the Administrative Authorities convene one or more Boards to carry out the Preliminary Screening of candidates during the month of Jun / Dec. Each Board is headed by an officer of the rank of Captain as the President with three other officers of the rank of Commander as members.
In case of a sailor’s transfer to another unit, the Commanding Officer of the new unit deputes the sailor for interview by the Board in his Command, under intimation to Bureau of Sailors. The Boards screen the applications and select candidates who have a reasonable chance of qualifying the written examination and the SSB interview. The Board is guided by the following:-
(a) Screening of Service Documents and scrutiny of original educational certificate, in case educational qualification mentioned in the Service Document is below 10 + 2 with Physics and Maths. This certificate will be available with the application form or submitted by the candidate at the time of Preliminary Screening Board interview.
(b) Assessment of officer-like qualities including power of expression, personality, general knowledge and common sense.
Written Examination
Sailors who pass the ‘Preliminary Screening’ are permitted to appear in a written examination. The written examination will be conducted by IHQ of MoD(Navy) / DNE online through ‘Indian Navy Online Examination System (INOES). Command Headquarters will be responsible for smooth conduct of the Online examination at Designated Exam Centres (DEC’s). IHQ of MoD(Navy) / ONE will issue detailed instructions on the conduct of Online Exams.
If a ship is likely to be at sea during this period, candidates borne afloat are disembarked for the written examination, before a sea sortie. In case of a sailor’s transfer to another unit, the Commanding Officer of the previous unit informs IHQ of MoD(Navy) / DNE for change of exam centre of the sailor to the nearest DEC of next unit. Other details are given below:-
All candidates who have successtUlly qualified the written examination will he sent for selection by the Services Selection Board in end Oct / end Apr. Sailors are to carry their Service Documents by hand.
Candidates who qualify in the SSB will be examined by a designated Medical Board, and if found fit, will he considered for final selection.
All sailors who are selected under this scheme shall be allotted branches depending upon the requirement of the Service and aptitude of the individual.
Number of Attempts Allowed
A candidate will be allowed to appear before the PSB only three times. The Board stamps the number of chances availed on the first page of the Service Document [IN 271(Rev)]. The Board declare results to candidates and forward the consolidated results so as to reach the Bureau of Sailors by end Jun / end Dec. The results includes separate lists of successful, unsuccessful and absentee candidates. Bureau of Sailors is to promulgate the list of candidates eligible to appear in the written examination by early Jul/early Jan.
Similarly, a candidate will be allowed to appear in the written examination only thrice, irrespective of the stage of selection reached in previous attempts. To qualify in the written examination, a candidate must pass all papers in one attempt.
Training
All candidates selected under CW scheme will be designated as cadets and will undergo the four year B-Tech course at INA, Ezhimala. Those who fail in the prescribed examination during training as Cadets and Midshipmen, will be relegated by six months at a time and their promotion delayed accordingly. Penalty for failure after being promoted to Sub Lieutenant will be as applicable to Indian Naval Academy cadets.
A trainee, who fails to make adequate progress in the course may be withdrawn from training with the approval of IHQ of MoD(Navy)/(DNT/DOP). If a trainee is withdrawn while under training as a cadet, he will be reverted to his original rank and Branch as a sailor without loss of seniority for all purposes. In such cases, character and efficiency assessment for the period under training is to be completed by INA. If he is withdrawn after being promoted to Midshipman, he will be discharged from Service.
A candidate will be permitted to resign while undergoing training. In case he fails to complete the training for reasons within his control, he will be liable to refund such sum as decided by the Govt but not exceeding the amount incurred by the Govt on his training, messing, accommodation and allied services.
My Nana used to say “BINA PARISHRAM YASH KAHA” motto of his Regiment (Army). When you want it like oxygen that’s when you get it. After I got continuously conference out in my first 6 attempts at SSB, I thought there is something very wrong with me that is why they are not recommending me for Army. My mentor told me three lines when I asked him to guide me.
Gentleman, I will not tell you any trick to fool the organization.
Come to me, I will put you through certain listicles.
On D-day He said, Gentleman, I didn’t find any reason to not recommend you.
That’s when I got my energy and all hope back.
Hello Leaders, I am Anand Mohan Singh from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. I come from an army background, my maternal grandfather was as an officer and Uncle is a serving JCO, My father is a constable in UPP, did my schooling from Varanasi, three years in NCC(ParaJumper,Delegation leader at abroad) and pursuing MCA from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. My motivation is my uncle and his 14 Rajput Regiment line infantry of Indian Army for joining armed forces. Now my journey to SSB goes like
04 to 08 March 2013 (NDA),
07 to 11 January 2017 (NCC SPL entry-41)
06 to 10 May 2017 (NCC SPL entry-42)
02 to 06 August 2017 (CDS IMA-144)
19 to 23 December 2017 (NCC SPL entry-43)
04 to 08 March 2018 (CDS IMA-145)
Every time I tasted failure. But I didn’t lose hope and kept on putting efforts to chase my dream.
I selected date for SSB 15 June 2018 for NCC SPL entry-44 at Allahabad and 15 July 2018 for CDS (IMA-146). Now I had two opportunities in a row, I skipped classes and began sharpening my arrows to hit the Dragon’s eye.
15 June 2018(Reporting and Screening) At around 0600 hours I reported at MCO Allahabad and others candidates too were there already, reached SCE Allahabad by Bus around 0630hrs.we all were called for Documentation, around 125 candidates reported, were allotted 11SSB.
The same process, OIR test was administered by a JCO. It went well I did all the questions. Part II of screening- PPDT, our Psychologist entered the hall from the back; He began the show after briefing us. A picture was shown, it was a car surrounded by the group of people. I wrote about a rescue story comparing with latest happening in news about over bridge collapse in Varanasi (UP).
Now the narration part, my chest number was 96 and middle in group, I narrated the story well, in the group discussion -our group was divided into two subgroups, the other group was given first chance to discuss meanwhile our group began talking through eyes. Now our turn, we didn’t waste time we copied certain points from other group and eventually a common story was constructed within time. We all moved to the shed where our belongings were kept, we waited for half an hour then we were called for results. We were again seated in the same fashion, and then Duty GTO came with the result. Chest numbers were called out in random order, I was eager to hear 96 and I had no plan to return home. But patience is the key the number 96 pierced the thick air and reached my ears. I joined the line and I had 11 on my chest. Only 20 out of 125 retained on day one. We picked our luggage and occupied the beds.
16th June (Psychological test) – We reported at the same auditorium early morning after breakfast. I had a heavy breakfast and was excited about my Psychological test. I wrote all TAT, 60 WAT, 48 SRTs. Self Description I completed within time as I had already prepared it well in advance.
P.S. TAT Please Make stories related your PIQ and SD try to tell psychologist about your life and your achievements through stories.
Coming to WAT – write first thought whatever comes to your mind, here also no negative no positive
For e.g. – BEAT – I wrote:” France beat Croatia in FIFA 2018”.
FASHION-” Fashion is an instant language”.
SRTs- write using commas conclude it. Repeaters should attempt at least 45.
For e.g.” He often found most of government officials are corrupt, He” – I wrote – searched records and data, found less salary was the reason. “.
Self Description – prepare your PIQ, SD and Daily routine in advance and there should be an alignment.
While returning back to the dome I saw my best friend Vivek Yadav came running to collect his luggage from the shed, He was recommended that day from 34 SSB for NCC SPL-44 and I was the first to hear that good news, It worked as a motivation.
17th June (GTO Day 1) – PT dress, all white except strategies in mind. We clicked pictures and Chest No. 20 (Suyash Malviya, recommended with me) gave his blessings and predicted my sure recommendation this time. GTO comprises of 9 tests. First the Group Discussion, I submitted relevant points mixed of facts and opinion, and tried to build relation among the three leads which we were provided that how one leads to another. After GD, Group Planning Exercise was administered; I gave valuable points and helped a group to solve all problems within time and I was nominated to give common group solution. PGT, HGT – I took the group out where it got stuck with my ideas and supported others ideas also, During PGT and HGT GTO told me Chest no. 11 go back to start line and don’t give any idea, when my group stuck I stated giving idea GTO again told me to not give an idea. In lecturette, my topic was Indo -Bangladesh relations.
18th June (GTO day 2) – I completed 10 individual obstacles, and now the litmus test of GTO came to the Command Task as it reflects your performance in GTO. I was third to be called by GTO Sir, we shook hands then he asked me about Varanasi, the place I am coming from, what I was doing at present, about education, where I was staying, number of attempts, why I wanted to join armed forces, how I prepared myself this time. I answered all the questions. He took me to the task; I was to complete it to the finish line and with the help of two subordinates. There was three ways to go; GTO told me to complete the task from all three ways. I did it successfully in no time.
After it, I was pretty sure that I had been recommended by GTO. In Final Group Task, I gave idea and finished task, GTO again sent me back and told me to not give any idea, I followed his instructions.
Coming to my group members, you all have been very helpful, you guys encouraged me, motivated me and I hope to see you conquering your goals.
INTERVIEW – I had my interview on the GTO 1 day just after lunch, I quickly rushed to the candidates line, changed into formals. The interview was to be taken by President 11 SSB; I waited in the Waiting room then Chest No. 11 appeared in the LED display with a sound. I entered the room smiling, I was asked to sit then Prez was looking angry, said “bloody Banarasi” this is your 7th attempt tell me in detail covering psych, GTO and Interview what went wrong in previous attempts from NDA 2013, He kept on scolding me for first half an hour of interview but I remained clamed and composed and firm while answering. He asked me about my life after graduation from Jul 2016 to till date, cover month wise, He asked me about my hobbies, daily routine, pocket money, friends, family, Current Affairs , reading habit, academics, sports, and why I want to join the army, and how I prepared this time, strength, weakness, what I fear the most, what are my other plans besides Army? I answer all the questions. The interview went around 1 hour 30 Minutes approximately. At Last President said all the best for GTO and Conference, hope you will get recommended this time. I smiled and said Thank You Sir; Last Time President 14 SSB said same. President laughed and said “Gentleman, This time I will make sure that you get through”.
19th June 2018 (Conference Day) – All items packed, locked, and placed in the shed. Conference began; chest number 01 was called first then next. Three candidates were supposed to wait on chairs and the forth one was supposed to be questioned in the conference room. When 10 was in the conference room, I was waiting for my turn them he left the room, now I was being discusses inside the room, I began counting on my finger tips and waited for 10 minutes. My number flashed on the LED screen with sound , I entered the room,I wished President with smile and was asked to occupy seat the first question was “The place I visited?” second question ” How was food and any suggestion?” I answered as a gentleman “Everything is improving under your supervision”. President said, Ok Anand Mohan wish you all the best “God bless you my Son” with a smile.
When conference of 20 candidates over we were called for the last time to sit in Chanakya Hall. Duty NCO told us to remain quiet and informed us that result would be announced very soon by one the officers. We all were looking at the gate, and Technical Officer appeared with a clip board, the A4 sheet on it holding names and chest numbers of recommended candidates. He said that Gentleman we have recommended three idiots and they are Chest No. 20,then That moment came for which I waited since last 7 years, he called chest no. 11 …….I shouted my name, roll number and then I didn’t control my tears, Officer told me “Congratulations gentleman”, Chest number 4 also made it. Best part is that we three belong to Varanasi and became famous in Allahabad board with same tag.
We all lined up, TO sir, Duty NCO and our friends congratulated us. We were given two minutes to call our parents and to take luggage back to candidates’ line. We all sped to shed, took mobile phones out of beg, I called my mother and gave the good news.
PS: Failure is best motivation, don’t give up. Just remember “it’s you who gonna make it happen”.
Now On 14 July 2018,I reported to MCO Allahabad for CDS (IMA-146) SSB Interview. Total 46 reported, 05 were sent back in documentation. We were left 41 and again allotted 11 SSB Allahabad, I was happy and worried too because I was recommended from same board one month back then They will expect much more.
15 July 2018 Next day in the morning our screening process started with the OIR, which was again a simple task. This was followed by PP&DT. It was simple as last time as I was with the Freshers this time and everyone discussed well and I spoke twice. I was really nervous and the thought of getting screened out just after being recommended was making me really anxious. After a wait of around 1 hour we were called back in and the result was announced. Total 17 candidates got in and I was given Chest no. 9.
16 July 2018 (Psychological test). We woke up early and reached the testing hall around 0645hrs. The testing started and I found out that somehow I was more nervous than last time because I believed that everybody would now expect more of me as I am previously recommended but I didn’t let this hamper my performance. Getting recommended before helped me a lot here as I knew the benchmark I had to achieve to make the cut and I worked for the same. All the psych tests went well.
17 July 2018 (GTO-1) In the morning I was told that this day I was going to have my interview as well just after the GTO. I was not feeling really well and the extra burden of the interview pulled me down. I could do satisfactorily well in the GTO tasks but had little left in me for the interview. It was quite an interview; I was grilled so hard that after that I had lost all my confidence. There were all questions pertaining to GK like SCO,South China Sea,SAARC,ASEAN,Blue economy, India plan to tackle string of pearls,Assumption Island, full forms SIMI,SIM,GPS,IRNSS,INSAS.then Maths calculations. That I couldn’t answer completely, Then He asked me about all topics of lecturette and told me to give 10 points on each. He then asked me 10 reasons why I want to join Army. At last Interviewing Officer (Additional IO) told me that “I don’t feel that this time you will get recommended”. I smiled and said ,“Sir, I have trust that board will do justice with me on basis of my performance”. After that I thought “Hero banke dialogue to maar diya aage kya hoga kalia” but his last comment made me bit upset.
18 July 2018 (GTO-2). Litmus test of GTO. We were left with Individual obstacles, Command task and FGT. Command task was again interesting. I was given one of the hardest tasks but I could manage to do it, This was one of the different which I have ever seen in my life, GTO gave me time pressure by asking math calculations like 25+19,87+23,12+23,…..etc escape velocity,newton second law, GTO asked me three solutions from same structure. I was satisfied with my performance of the day.
19 July 2018 Now came D-Day. This time I was not much hope for the recommendation but I was really happy that I enjoyed and made good friends. When I entered the conference hall I wished the president, He asked me normal questions like stay and fooding and I said same as said in last. Then turn of the results came. We were seated in a Chanakya hall and soon a Psychologist entered the room which was followed by a motivational speech. After which he started calling out the chest number in the random sequence and said Chest Number 12…,4…, 16… and the last number he called was chest number 9. I was very happy but this time the feeling didn’t take a lot of time to sink in. We were all very happy and in total 4 of us had got recommended out of 17, and three from same GTO group.
At the end I wish all the best to readers, as I am also a daily reader of SSB Crack, It motivated me a lot.
SSB interview is the process which is designed to test the candidate’s psychology and the ability to work under stress. The whole process tests for congruency in your responses at various levels and under various responses. There have been some instances where a candidate has been asked weird questions in the interview and the conference. While he wonders why and tries to figure out the answer, the assessors test how he is approaching the answer and his attitude to reach a conclusion logically.
Here are some of such questions and situations that demand the presence of mind, out of the box and logical thinking:
IO: Tell me 5 uses of eyeglasses other than vision correction?
Eyeglasses can protect your eyes from extreme cold, sun, dust and other environmental threats.
Can be used to start a fire.
It can send rays to signal someone.
Can be used as a cutting and digging tool.
Frames can be made into a hook.
During the conference, a candidate comes inside the room. The candidate came in a hurry and asked permission to enter. After entering, he was asked – “Without looking at the door, tell me did you push the door or pulled the door”? This is followed by the question – “What was written on the outer side of the door – Push or Pull”?
This question is basically to test the attentiveness and alertness of a candidate under stress and nervousness.
You need to be attentive and pay more attention to your surroundings.
If you were stuck in a room, with no access to phone or internet, how would you know the temperature outside?
This question tests your ability to work with limited resources.
Sample response: I would use a thermometer. Or you could also say you could shout at the person outside to know the temperature.
What will you do if I run away with your sister?
This question again tests how your emotions affect your decision-making ability. You might get angry, you might deny the situation, you might do a police complain or you might think of a logical answer to this hypothetical question.
Sample Response: “I would wait for you both to come back and conduct a grand marriage.”
Tell me the exact volume of this room.
This question is generally to build pressure on you for the upcoming questions. However, if you fail to answer this question, it would suggest the IO that you have a low grasp of what you studied at your school level.
Just give a blind guess and explain with logic, involving the formula for cube’s volume.
What’s something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
This is to check how well you reason and justify why you are correct and everyone else is wrong. This would also give the IO an idea of how good can you convince people with your logic.
What weighs more – 100 kg of coins, or 100 kg of feathers?
This question again is to check your alertness and logical reasoning. Candidates generally tend to think in terms of quantity and weight per unit or feather and coin.
When he says that both are of 100kg, both weigh same, irrespective of their quantity.
What is the highest number you can make using 3 digits?
You have three digits and the digit of the highest value is 9. Candidates would tend to think that the highest number you can make using all 9s are 999.
Ever thought of 9^(9^9) – 9 power 9 power 9?
IO: You are having this Milton bottle now tell me the maximum uses of it?
A candidate responded – “First I will drink water then I will take out the cap and play catch-catch, I can fill it with refreshments, the bottle is hard so I can use it as a hammer I can also use it as a weapon.”
IO: Tell me 2 more uses?
Response – “The bottle is shiny so I can use it for signaling, at the end, I will play truth and dare with it.”
IO: Tell me 5 uses of a pen?
Pressing teeny tiny buttons when you want to restart phone, modem etc.
To scratch your back.
As a conductor’s button.
As a pointer when you are giving a presentation.
As a weapon to kill someone.
To open (tear) a plastic package.
As a bookmarker.
To do a hair bun- Japanese style.
We can play pen fight.
Can use to colour something.
Learn pen spinning and take part in pen spinning tournament.
IO: What is the colour of the wall behind you?
Be attentive and observe things when you go inside the room.
The color of the walls would be the same so all the walls will have the same colour mostly.
IO: Can you see the painting of that aircraft, tell me which aircraft is that?
You may face such question in AFSB interview, make sure you have knowledge of aircraft and how to identify them.
Such paintings are mostly of IAF aircraft only.
Conclusion:
The take away is that no matter what question is posed to you, it is all just to make sure how well you can take stress while still being logical and giving reasons to your answer. So, try to be more reasonable and practical in your approaches.
In this weekly digest, we cover 10 important topics in the Indian defence from 29 July – 4 Aug 2018.
Unified Commanders’ Conference – 2018:
A two-day Annual Unified Commanders’ Conference (UCC) for the year 2018 was held on 30th & 31st Jul 2018 at New Delhi. The Annual Conference reviewed external security challenges as well as the country’s preparedness.
The UCC provided a platform for discussions at the Apex Level on all ‘Joint Issues’ amongst the three Services & Ministry of Defence and enabled the stock-taking of the previous year and planning the way ahead for the next year.
UCC 2018
The conference was attended by the Raksha Mantri, Rajya Raksha Mantri, National Security Advisor, the Chiefs of Army, Navy & Air Force and other Senior Military and Civil Officials of the Ministry of Defence and Tri-Service Organisations/Institutions.
Guidelines for Strategic Partnership Model approved by DAC:
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the Defence Ministry’s highest decision-making body, approved key guidelines for implementation of an ambitious policy under which Indian corporates will undertake defence projects with foreign entities.
The Strategic Partnership Model has been designed to boost the defence industrial ecosystem of the country while developing indigenous capabilities in the private sector. The policy is intended to engage the Indian private sector in the manufacture of hi-tech defence equipment in India.
106 out of 168 contracts signed with Indian vendors
Since 2015, out of total 168 contracts, 106 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces such as Helicopters, Radar, Ballistic Helmets, Artillery Guns, Simulators, Missiles, Bullet Proof Jackets, Electronic Fuzes and ammunition.
Capital procurement of defence equipment is undertaken from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on operational requirements of the Armed Forces, the availability or capacity to produce the equipment in India and abroad and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.
23 CBI cases filed against MES and BRO officials
Since 2015, a case has been registered by CBI against the accused Military Engineering Services (MES) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officers in all 23 cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The decision of Ministry of Defence for the prosecution of the accused Government Servants in competent Criminal Courts has been conveyed to CBI in 16 cases.
Production of LCA Tejas given a boost
Two contracts were signed between IAF & Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 20 Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) standard aircraft on 31st March 2006 to be completed by December 2011 and 20 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) standard aircraft on 23rd December 2010 to be completed by 2016.
Out of total 20 IOC aircraft (16 fighters and 4 trainers), 9 fighters have been delivered by HAL to IAF till date. The production of the remaining 11 IOC aircraft (7 fighters + 4 trainers) is taken up at HAL. The aircraft is currently capable of undertaking Air Defence Operations and conventional ground attack with heavy bombs is feasible.
Production for 20 FOC aircraft, will be taken up after FOC clearance by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for which current target is December 2018.
Southern Naval Command gets new commander
Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, AVSM, NM, VSM, has taken over the reins of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) as its 28th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief on 31 Jul 18. The Admiral has replaced Vice Admiral AR Karve, PVSM, AVSM who retired after 38 years of yeoman service. VAdm AK Chawla was previously the Chief of Personnel at the Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence, Navy at New Delhi. The Flag Officer, a native of Dehradun, had arrived in Kochi on 30 Jul 2018 for the ceremony.
Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla Taking Charge as FOC-in-C SNC
Make in India progress in Defence Sector:
‘Make in India’ in the defence sector, which is primarily driven by the capital acquisition of defence equipment and other policy measures, has been introduced in all major areas of defence such as combat vehicles, combat aircraft, warships, weapons, ammunition, missiles, radars, electronic warfare systems etc.
In the last three financial years (2015-16 to 2017-18), 58 contracts worth about Rs 1,17,656 Crore were signed with foreign vendors for procurement of defence capital equipment for Defence Forces.
At present, there is no proposal to close Ordnance Factories or Defence Public Sector Units functioning under the administrative control of Department of Defence Production.
Shortage of 9096 officers in Defence
The details of the strength of Officers in the three Armed Forces (excluding medical and dental) suggest that there is a shortage of 9096 officers in the armed forces. The Indian Army alone is short of 7,298 officers, followed by Navy with 1606 officers short. The Air Force is seemingly doing well with only 192 officers short.
Implementing AI in the defence sector
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essentially dual-use technology which can fuel technology-driven economic growth and has the potential to provide military superiority. Given India’s strong IT industry and pool of engineers, Defence Ministry has initiated the process of preparing Indian defence forces in their use of AI and leveraging AI capabilities.
Ballistic Missile Interceptor Advanced Area Defence test fired
DRDO conducted the successful test of the Ballistic Missile Interceptor Advanced Area Defence (AAD). The endo-atmospheric missile, capable of intercepting incoming targets at an altitude of 15 to 25 km was launched against multiple simulated targets of 1500 km class ballistic missile. The complete event including the engagement and interception was tracked by a number of electro-optical tracking systems, radars and telemetry stations. All the mission objectives were successfully met.
Ballistic Missile Interceptor AAD Successfully Flight Tested from Dr. Kalam Island
Indian Air Force Recruitment Rally Group ‘Y’ Assam FOR INTAKE : 02/2019. Indian Air Force offers opportunities for UNMARRIED MALE INDIAN/NEPALESE CITIZENS from States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur to join as Airmen. The Recruitment Test for Group ‘Y’ (Non-Technical) {Automobile Technician and Indian Air Force (Police)} will be held at Air Force Station Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam as per the Selection Programme given below.
The Recruitment Test shall be conducted from 6 AM onwards as per the details given below. Candidates (from States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur) fulfilling the domicile requirements and eligibility conditions reporting up to 10 AM on 01 September 2018 and 03 September 2018 at Air Force Station Borjhar, Guwahati (Rally Venue) shall only be permitted to appear in the Recruitment Test.
Physical Fitness Test will be conducted at Air Force Station Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam and rest of the testing will be conducted at 11 Airmen Selection Centre, VIP Chowk, Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam.
Age: Candidates born between 14 July 1998 and 26 June 2002 (both days inclusive) are eligible to appear in the Recruitment Rally.
Educational Qualification: Candidate should have passed Intermediate / 10+2 / Equivalent Examination in any stream/subjects approved by Central / State Education Boards with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Note – 1: Education Boards listed in Council of Boards for School Education (COBSE) website as members, shall only be permitted.
Note – 2: Exact aggregate % of marks before decimal as written in the marks sheet of 10+2/Intermediate/Equivalent OR calculated as per the rules of concerned Education Board shall only be considered (For example 49.99% should be taken as 49% and not to be rounded off to 50%).
Domicile Requirement. To be eligible to appear in the rally at Air Force Station Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam the candidates shall be required to satisfy the following conditions:-
The School / College / Institute from where candidates have passed the qualifying examination should be within the geographical / administrative limits of States of Assam or Arunachal Pradesh or Mizoram or Nagaland or Tripura or Meghalaya or Manipur. If the name of District is not mentioned with the name of Institution in the certificate / marks sheet of qualifying examination, the candidates shall produce ‘Domicile Certificate’ issued by SDM/ DM/Executive Magistrate or any official authorised by the State Government of Assam/Arunachal Pradesh/Mizoram/Nagaland/Tripura/ Meghalaya/Manipur.
Permanent Domicile of States of Assam or Arunachal Pradesh or Mizoram or Nagaland or Tripura or Meghalaya or Manipur who have passed the qualifying examination from anywhere in India shall produce the Domicile Certificate prior to commencement of examination from appropriate authority as given in sub-paragraph 5(a) above.
Sons of Serving Air Force personnel {Officers/Airmen/NCs(E) and Unit Cadre Civilians paid from Defence Estimates} whose father/mother is presently serving in any Air Force Unit/any other organisation located in the States of Assam or Arunachal Pradesh or Mizoram or Nagaland or Tripura or Meghalaya or Manipur irrespective of their domicile status, shall be permitted to appear in the Rally subject to production of latest Son of Air Force Personnel (SOAFP) Certificate (format available at CASB site on AFNET).
Sons of Air Force personnel {Officers/Airmen/NCs(E) and Unit Cadre Civilians paid from Defence Estimates} whose father/mother is Retired/ Discharged/ Deceased and they are residing in the States of Assam or Arunachal Pradesh or Mizoram or Nagaland or Tripura or Meghalaya or Manipur shall be permitted to appear in the rally subject to production of proof of minimum stay of one year along with original and photocopy of Service Book/Discharge Book/Causality Service Certificate/Service Particular Certificate (issued from DPO-3/DAV, as applicable) in case of Officer/Airmen/NCs(E) and a certificate duly signed by OIC Civil Admin and countersigned by CO/C Adm O of the last served unit, in case of civilians.
Medical Standards:
(a) General Medical Standards shall be as follows: –
(i) Chest: Minimum range of expansion: 5 cm (ii) Weight: Proportionate to height and age. (iii) Corneal Surgery (PRK/LASIK) not acceptable.
(iv) Hearing: Candidate should have normal hearing i.e. able to hear forced whisper from a distance of 6 meters with each ear separately.
(v) Dental: Should have healthy gums, good set of teeth and minimum 14 dental points. (vi) Health: Candidate should be of normal anatomy without loss of any appendages. He should be free from any active or latent, acute or chronic, medical or surgical disability or infection and skin ailments. Candidate shall be physically and mentally FIT to perform duty in any part of the world, in any climate and terrain.
Body Tattoo Permanent body tattoos shall not be permitted. However, tattoos only on inner face of the fore arms (inside of elbow to the wrist), back (dorsal) part of the hand/reverse side of palm and for Tribals tattoos which are as per custom and traditions of their tribes may be considered. However, right to decide on acceptability/unacceptability of the individual shall rest with the Selection Centre. Candidates with permanent body tattoos shall submit two photographs (close up and distant view) with details of size and type of the Tattoo.
Only Sikh candidates, whose religion prohibits the cutting of the hair or shaving of face of its member, shall be permitted to grow hair and/or retain beard and moustache. Accordingly, those Sikh candidates willing to retain the same as per laid down specification are to get their photographs with beard and moustache.
Pay & Allowances. During training, a stipend of Rs. 14,600/- per month shall be paid. On completion of training the starting gross emoluments at the minimum of scale of pay including Military Service Pay (MSP) shall be Rs. 26,900/- per month plus Dearness allowance (as applicable) which, in subsequent years, may rise as per the career progression of the individual, as per applicable Government rules.
Higher Education – Airmen shall be permitted to pursue higher educational qualification only after acquiring prescribed skill grade in their trade.
Job Specification:
(a) Automobile Technician: As an Automobile Technician you shall drive all types of light, medium and heavy automobiles, load carriers and specialist vehicles like cranes, towing tractors, fork lifters etc., subject to service exigencies. You shall also carry out minor repairs, day to day maintenance and basic level servicing of the common user vehicles and specialist vehicles in the Indian Air Force inventory.
(b) Indian Air Force (Police): As an Indian Air Force (Police) your responsibilities involve assuming police duties and investigation of offences. You are also in-charge of maintenance of security.
Group ‘Y’ (Non-Technical) {Auto Tech and IAF(P) Trades}
(a) Physical Fitness Test (PFT): PFT consists of a 1.6 Km run to be completed within 6 minutes 30 Seconds. Candidates shall also have to complete 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups and 20 squats within the stipulated time to qualify in the Physical Fitness Test.
Note: Candidates are advised to bring their sports shoes and shorts/track pant. (b) Written Test: All candidates who qualify PFT shall undertake Written Test on the same or subsequent day depending on the local conditions. The Written Test will be objective type and question paper shall be bilingual (English & Hindi) except for English paper. Answers are to be annotated on OMR sheet. Detailed procedure shall be explained before conduct of the examination. Duration of the written test will be 45 minutes and shall comprise of English as per 10+2 CBSE syllabus and Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA). CANDIDATES ARE TO QUALIFY IN EACH PAPER SEPARATELY. Results of the written test shall be declared on the same day.
(c) Adaptability Test-1: All candidates who pass the Written Test shall undertake Adaptability Test-1 on the same or subsequent day
depending on the local conditions. Adaptability Test – 1 is to assess the suitability of a candidate for employment in the IAF which involves deployment in
varied geographic terrain, weather and operational conditions. (d) Adaptability Test-2: All candidates who pass Adaptability Test-1 will have to undertake Adaptability Test-2 as per policy in vogue.
Adaptability Test-2 is to select candidates who can adapt to the environment of Indian Air Force and are able to adjust to the military way of life.
FOR ANY QUERY CONTACT, PRESIDENT, CENTRAL AIRMEN SELECTION BOARD, BRAR SQUARE, DELHI CANTT, NEW DELHI – 110010, TELEPHONE NO. 011- 25694209 /25699606 AND e-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] OR COMMANDING OFFICER, 11 AIRMEN SELECTION CENTRE, VIP CHOWK, BORJHAR, GUWAHATI, ASSAM -781015. TELE: 0361 – 2842720 (Direct), Extn : 333 and E-MAIL: [email protected]
The Indian Army, the Navy and Air Force are facing a shortage of more than 9,000 officers, the government said on Wednesday. The Indian Army alone is short of 7,298 officers, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.He said the Army has an authorised strength of 49,933 officers but as on January 1, 2018 it had only 42,635.
The Indian Army is considered the second largest army in the world with 1.4 million officers and others, according to the World Atlas 2018 report. The Indian Navy has a sanctioned strength of 11,352 officers but has only 9,746 – a shortage of 1,606, according to data as on July 1, 2018. Similarly, the Air Force’s authorised strength of officers is 12,584 but it has only 12,392 and is short of 192.
The minister said recruitment in the Armed Forces was a continuous process and the government was taking a number of measures to reduce the shortages. “These include sustained image projection, participation in career fairs and exhibitions and publicity campaign to create awareness among the youth on the advantages of taking up a challenging and satisfying career.”
The government, he said, had as well taken various steps to make Armed Forces’ jobs attractive including improvement in promotion prospects. “To attract youth including the rural youth to join the Armed Forces various steps are taken such as giving wide publicity to recruitment in the Armed Forces through advertisement in print and audio-visual media.
“Recruitment of Personnel Below Officers Ranks (PBORs) in the Army is carried out through open rally system being conducted regularly throughout the country. Efforts are made to cover the entire country including remote and tribal areas.” In the Navy, the minister said, regular recruitment drives are also undertaken for recruitment of sailors.
Recruitment of Airmen in the Air Force is done on all India basis through scheduled selection tests as recruitment rallies are also conducted in different parts of the country including tribal areas.
Is that a bird? Is that Superman? No, it’s an Indian Su-30 flying over the skies of Australia as a part of Pitch Black-2018. India’s frontline fighter jet is participating in a three-week multilateral air force exercise ‘Pitch Black – 2018’. It is one of Asia-Pacific’s largest air force training exercises.
The tropical northern cities of Australia – Darwin and Tindal, are hosting 4,000 personnel and 140 aircraft from 16 countries in this exercise.
The Training
The exercise, dubbed “the largest air force training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere”, will take place from RAAF Tindal and RAAF Darwin.
It traditionally consists of a ‘red team’ and a ‘blue team’ based at separate locations, with one attacking the other. The Indian Air Force’s aircraft made its debut at the exercise with its Russian-built Sukhoi Su-30MKI Flanker fighter jets, C-130J & C-17.
Su-30 Pilots during ‘Pitch Black-2018’
The training includes night flying and aerial refueling. The national air forces of participating countries will learn and improve their force integration using one of the largest training airspace areas in the world. The training will include day and night flying.
RAAF Base Glenbrook (near Sydney) is used as the command and control centre, as it would if the simulated conflict were real.
The Participants
The countries participating in this exercise are the Australia, Canada, France (New Caledonia), Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, India, Malaysia and the United States.
IAF C-130J During ‘Pitch Black-2018’
About Exercise Pitch Black
Pitch Black 2018 is a three week multilateral air force exercise. It will be held from 27 July to 17 August 2018.
Pitch Black is a biennial exercise which was last held in 2016.
It began in 1990 between Australia and Singapore.
The exercise features a range of simulated threats in a modern battle-space environment.
This version is also the largest Pitch Black exercise to date in terms of the number of aircraft involved and the number of countries sending aircrafts.
IAF C-17 Aircraft During ‘Pitch Black-2018’
History
The biennial Pitch Black exercise started as a bilateral air combat exercise in the mid-1980s between Australia and Singapore, and was named for the dark nights found over Australia’s sparsely populated north.
It has since evolved into a full-spectrum, complex air warfare exercise that includes large force employment of coalition air power, air-land integration activities and remote airfield operations.
In 2008, 3000 personnel and 60 aircraft participated in the exercise. But in 2012, the number came down to 2,200 personnel along with 100 aircraft belonging to Australia, Singapore, Thailand, the US, Indonesia and New Zealand. It was the first time for Indonesia to participate in the exercise with 4 Sukhois.
For the 2016 edition over 100 participating aircraft showed up from Australia, USA, Thailand (F-16s), Singapore (F-15s and F-16s) and Indonesia (F-16s). In 2018 the Indian Air Force is also participating.
In 2018, Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne while speaking at New Delhi’s National Defence College confirmed the participation of Indian Air Force in the exercise.
The International Version of ‘Gaganshakti’
The all-encompassing coordinated and composite exercise Gaganshakti-2018 was conducted by the IAF from 08-22 April 2018. The aim of this exercise was real time coordination, deployment and employment of Air Power in a short & intense battle scenario.
During the exercise, the IAF troops were trained to rapidly provide reinforcement in the areas along the Chinese border.
The Air Force likely mobilised almost its entire fleet of combat and transport aircraft along with helicopters and ground-based assets.
The exercises also saw the entire IAF machinery move into top gear to simulate war scenarios in real-time. So, apart from its own sorties, bombing and air superiority missions, the Air Force also provided close air support for ground operations and carried out marine support with the Indian Navy. All relevant missions featured live fire drills.
Over a thousand IAF aircrafts operated in this exercise while the rest were on standby, making it the largest exercise by the IAF.
Conclusion
Exercises such as Pitch Black are pivotal to ensuring operational exposure and for mutual exchange of best practices.
‘Mere jazbaato se kuch iss qadar waqif hai meri kalam ke ishq likhna chahu to inquilab likh jata hai’
Dear Aspirants and Readers, I have been recommended, through NCC Special Entry, by 11 SSB Allahabad to join Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai. I secured All India Rank 21. This article is written with a purpose of motivating aspirants and a sort of guidance on the methods of preparation required in your endeavor to join this coveted service and serve the motherland. Let me first give you my family and academic background. Further, I will talk about strategies that I followed in course of preparation and then return to my experiences during the selection process. This is followed by few suggestions for the aspirants.
I belong to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. I am a Commerce graduate from Vikramajeet Singh Sanatan Dharma Mahavidyalaya. I have been an NCC cadet and passed my ‘C’ certificate in the year 2017. I was brought up in a lower middle-class joint family which is religious as well. Brought up in such an atmosphere, I have an inclination towards spirituality. From the very beginning, I had a thirst in me to join the forces to serve the motherland and put on the Uniform.
My hobbies are drawing, singing, playing guitar, cooking, reading and writing. I have been writing my thoughts in the form of quotes and keep it posted on social media and various other online platforms.
I love sports. I am a wrestler and a powerlifter and like to play badminton.
I used to take up leading role in extra-curricular activities since my school day. In College, I took up responsibilities as a student leader.
I worked at a gym for my monthly pocket money and expenses.
Let me tell you, preparation for any examination is not easy but becomes easier if we recognize our strengths and weaknesses. My strategies in the preparation for the SSB was thoughtful, innovative, recognizing my fallouts and opportunities. This was my second attempt. In the first attempt, I got screened out from the 14 SSB Allahabad.
My experiences suggest that you do not need only extreme dedication towards SSB. Apart from dedication, you need mental and physical practice. This cannot be done in a month or two rather it shall be the part of your everyday activity. Your mental and physical practice shall be regular and you need to be tough and strong. After I was screened out in my first attempt, I was bit disheartened. For a few days, I kept on mulling over that I prepared a lot with full dedication then what went wrong, why I could not achieve my dreams, I am delayed by 6 more months, how would I support my family if I am not selected and several other questions on my potential. However, you need to believe on yourself, you need to imbibe: “Naavik ki dharya pariksha kya, Jab dharaein pratikool na hon”. It is well said that your friends are good guide. My friends Anand, Akhilesh and Sandeep were also repeating preparations. They came as a great help. I benefitted by their experiences and planned my preparations again.
The best thing I could do was to check myself for OLQ’s. I wrote all OLQ’s on a sheet of paper and pasted it in my room and regularly checked myself.
I was physically robust and to maintain the same I worked out in 2 sets. In the morning I went for a jog (for stamina) and then GYM (because I worked there). And in the evening I went to my ‘akhada’ for regular practice sessions. For psychology, I regularly wrote TAT on any random picture and discussed it with my friends. For lecturette and GD I read newspapers, watched videos surfed internet (I would like to thank SSBCrack for their regular updates on latest topics and questions I also purchased book from ssbcrack) which also served the purpose of preparations for other competitive exams. Being in student politics public speaking never bothered me. I regularly did reasoning practice for other competitive examinations which helped me in my OIR. We friends also went to PSTC & NCC group headquarters where Brig. P.M. Rath(our group commander) and Dr. Anita Trivedi guided us for the practice of GDs and other tests.
Mean while I was also selected by Indigo airlines as security executive which I never joined but had as an option.
I also reduced my weight about 10 to 14 kgs as I was overweight because of bulk I developed from weight training.
My experience during the selection process was quiet different from others. In the beginning we were made to fill necessary forms and then given OIR sheets to solve. In PPDT we were shown a picture of a car surrounded by people I made a story on manufacture of an electronic car. I was lucky to have a supportive group and we had an excellent narration and GD. During the results I was the last one to be called and got chest no. 20.
After filling PIQ’s and other forms we went to our lines and I informed my parents and then dialed my friends Anand, Akhilesh and Sandeep to discuss the next day we discussed few common pictures. Next day to my astonishment I had 3 common pictures with a pre prepared story. Rest of the tests were also fine. I did about 51 SRTs and only left 2 WATs. I was informed that I will be having my interview just after my GTO day 1.
GTO DAY 1 was very smooth. We had a healthy discussions and hailing from a religious family I was handy in shlokas and dohas which I naturally used during my GD.
Snake race and PGT were fun we played as a team and enjoyed a lot. My team knew about my strength and we efficiently used it. My lecturette went for more than 3 minutes (told by my fellow candidates) and my topic was population explosion.
After GTO I directly went for my Interview. A smiling face welcomed me with a warm handshake. My Interview was longer than other candidates . Major part of it was related to the financial conditions of my family like even after having govt. job why my father’s salary is low and how do I try to support him. What type of financial issues I personally face.
I also had few GK and mathematics questions. He asked me about my work and my political posts during my education as mentioned in my PIQ and also gave me few situations. He asked me about my hobbies and why do I want to join the forces etc.
Every time the interviewer tried to increase the stress in the room, I encountered it with my funny responses. Few examples were.
I.O. How many friends do you have and who are your best friends?
Ans. Sir, I am a friendly person but I have 3 best friends Harshit, Rahul & Salman.
I.O. What are your 3 qualities which Harshit will tell me?
Ans. He would tell that I am disciplined, hard working and soft spoken.
I.O. And what about Rahul what will he tell me about you?
Ans. Sir, he will tell that I am helpful, fun loving and I give excellent advices.
I.O. “abhi tak tumhre kisi dost ne nahi bataya ke tum fauji afsar banoge?”
Ans. Bas Sir, Salman bolne hi wala tha aapne pucha hi nahi usse.
I.O. How do you think you were able to influence your group?
Ans. Sir, we were 20 candidates and atleast 15 of them try to imitate my language and tone ( basic U.P. wala kanpuria and banarsi touch in my tact).
I.O. If not selected this time what will you do?
Ans. Sir, abhi tak to all my tests have been fine and I think I am having positive chances to make it this time but if not I also got selected for Indigo Airlines as security executive and I will be joining it.
I.O. “tum pakka bouncer banoge”
Ans. No sir, I will be looking after the luggage section.
(There were many more but this would make the post lengthy.)
Day 4 was the hardest.
We had individual obstacles, command task and FGT. During IO GTO started with me I was only able to do 8 obstacles and on the other hand my group mates were even able to repeat few (and I was considered to be the fittest)
Then CT was a nightmare I was not even able to complete even a single stage. I got a light scolding from the GTO and one of my subordinate was sent back. Even after all this I tried to complete it. I was called 4 times as a subordinate.
FGT was like a formality.
Once we reached back our lines I dialed my friends and told what happened and they instantly told me that the GTO was interested in me and was checking me.
We went to Hanuman Temple that day (after GTO day2 ab to baba hi kuch kareinge)
The final day was the best. I was made to wait for at least 5 minutes before I was called for conference. And again smiling faces welcomed me and I felt relaxed the only thing running in my mind was ,”ya to rakheinge ya to nahi rakheinge guru jo man me aaye wahi bolna”.
The interviewer knew that I give funny answers he only initiated the talks. First he asked me the questions which he gave me for conference (all related to GK) then I was given a kind of situation,
I.O. You are having this Milton bottle now tell me the maximum uses of it?
Response. First I will drink water then I will take out the cap and play catch-catch, I can fill it with refreshments, the bottle is hard so I can use it as a hammer I can also use it as a weapon.
I.O. tell me 2 more uses?
Response. The bottle is shiny so I can use it for signaling, at the end I will play truth and dare with it.
Everyone started laughing, I was asked, “kahi ghoomne gye the”. I told them the minutest details of our visit to the temple. He asked me about the friends made during stay and how did they helped me.
They asked me to rate my performance I told them about my weak performance at the Individual obstacles and CT. At the end I was asked about any suggestions for the mess I told them to improve the variety of veg food as I was served karela two days. No sooner did I say this than, everyone started to giggle.( after this reply I was cursing myself!). They wished me best of luck for the results and I left them giggling in the room on my kiddish responses.
The results were declared by tech officer. He gave a small speech and then called Chest Number ‘20’ I went emotionless I Stood up called my ‘name and roll number’ aloud and went to the stage (this was the most precious moment for me, I wanted to preserve each and every bit of it.) In the back of my mind I thanked my parents and The Almighty for letting me chase my dreams.
With me two more friends Amit and Anand Mohan got recommended who would for sure be friends for life. Everyone applauded for us and then we were allowed to inform at our homes and report back for paper work. I informed my friends and went to fill forms and then went back to our lines. We were alloted new chest numbers with a red ‘+’(the dreams do come true). Now comes the emotional part I dialed my parents who were eagerly waiting for a call from me.(it was difficult talking to my mother, I knew this requires time so I delayed it).
For 4 days we had our medicals and I was declared medically fit and we came back to our homes.
Things what I learnt from this experience:-
Enjoyment and learning must be at your priority.
You usually don’t need any coaching but you for sure need guidance and practice.
You need to be mentally and physically fit for this.
The overall procedure of ssb can be summarized as ‘stress test’. They check how much stress can you bear.
Be yourself because you are most experienced in being that.
Smile is the best thing you can wear.
Suggestions for aspirants
Read regularly and practice for extempore.
Develop a group which can help you in practicing and listens you.
Regularly solve reasoning questions not only for OIR but for improving mental ability.
Start writing at least 1 month before appearing so that you can be habitual with psychology tests.
Indulge in some sort of physical activities.
At the end, I would like to thank SSBCrack, PSTC & NCC Group HQ Kanpur, Brig. P.M. Rath, Dr. Anita Trivedi and my friends Anand, Akhilesh, Sandeep, harshit, salman and Junaid for their unconditional support & guidance. ‘Vo khete hai na bina parishram yash kahan aap logo ke bina mere parishram ko yash nahi mil sakta tha.’
इसपथकाउद्देश्यनहींहैश्रांतभवनमेंटिकजाना,
किंतुपहुचनाउससीमातकजिसकेआगेराहनहीं।
Thanks for reading it till ethe nd . Hope to see all the aspirants in the forces.
Candidates who are preparing Current Affairs and general knowledge for the upcoming competitive exams like CDS, NDA, AFCAT and UPSC can read the latest current affairs news and question answers from July 2018. The Current Affairs July 2018 eBook covers detailed knowledge you need for the current affairs section preparation, the current affairs PDF ebook is handy which you can read and prepare from anywhere anytime.
Current Affairs Questions PDF
MCQ’s With Explanation: Current Affairs Jul 2018 = 400 MCQs
Current Affairs Quiz: Jul 2018 – Practice – I = 250 “
Current Affairs Quiz: Jul 2018 – Practice – II =250 “
Current Affairs One-Liner: Jul 2018 =300 One-liner
Total Questions =1200
Important Abbreviations for all Competitive Exams
STATIC GK: DEFENCE SECTION
STATIC GK:
List of National Highways in India,
Timeline of Indian History and Famous Indian Books With author Name
Important national and international days and dates
Major news and events: Jul 2018
News Highlights
No-confidence motion in Lok Sabha against BJP Govt.
What is the rank of India in the JLL’s Global Real Estate Transparency Index 2018?
(A) 35
(B) 42
(C) 39
(D) 28
Answer: (A) 35- India has moved up a place to 35th spot in JLL’s Global Real Estate Transparency Index 2018, registering maximum improvement in transparency over the last two years. Policy reforms, liberalisation of FDI into realty and retail, strengthening of public information and assigning industry status to affordable housing helped India surge ahead in the rankings. According to the survey, UK is at the top position followed by Australia and the US.Venezuela is the least transparent market with 100th rank.
Who among the given has won the women’s 100 m event at the 58th National Inter State Senior Athletics Championship, Guwahati?
(A) Shiny Abraham
(B) Manjeet Kaur
(C) Tintu Lukka
(D) Dutee Chand
Answer: (D) Dutee Chand – Indian sprinter Dutee Chand has set a new national record in the women’s 100-metre race at the 58th National Inter State Senior Athletics Championships held at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati. She clocked 11.29 seconds to beat her own previous record of 11.30 seconds which she achieved at the Indian Grand Prix in 2017.Dutee has qualified for the Asian Games in 100m and 200m by breaching the qualifying timings at the Inter State Championships.
The Indian Navy recently participated in Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with which of the following countries?
(A) Thailand
(B) Bangladesh
(C) Indonesia
(D) Singapore
Answer: (C) Indonesia- The Navies of India and Indonesia participated in Passage Exercise (PASSEX), to enhance their maritime cooperation. Indian Naval ships INS Shakti and INS Kamorta under the command of Rear Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, undertook Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Madidihang (855) a Stingrays Class Fast Patrol Craft on leaving the Port of Makassar, Indonesia.
The Government of India will observe July 1 as GST Day which marks___________its anniversary.
(A) Second
(B) First
(C) Third
D) Fourth
Answer: (B) First – The Government of India will celebrate July 1, 2018, as ‘GST Day’ to mark the first anniversary of the new indirect tax regime. Goods and Services Tax (GST) was rolled out in the intervening night of June 30 and July 1 in 2017.
With which country, BHEL has signed Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) for design and manufacture of emission controlling devices for coal-based power plants?
(A) Russia
(B) France
(C) South Korea
(D) Israel
Answer: (C) South Korea- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has signed Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) with South Korean firm NANO Co Ltd. for design and manufacture of emission controlling devices for coal-based thermal power plants to comply with emission norms. Under the agreement, NANO will design and manufacture the solution known as SCR Catalysts for De-NOx application in coal-fired plants to enhance BHEL’s offerings for emission control systems (De-NOx applications).
Which among the following sites of Mumbai has recently been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list?
(A) Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
Answer: (A) Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai- Mumbai’s Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO at Manama in Bahrain. The Ensemble comprises of two architectural styles, the 19th century collection of Victorian structures and the 20th century Art Deco buildings along the sea, conjoined by means of the historical open space of the Oval Maidan.Collectively it will be known as the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai.This makes Mumbai city the second city in India after Ahmedabad to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.India now has overall 37 World Heritage Inscriptions with 29 Cultural, 07 Natural and 01 Mixed sites.
How many new awards and medals have been announced by the Home Ministry for the police department of India?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
Answer: (C) 4- The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has approved the institution of “Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal”for Police Officers of States & Union Territories, Central Police Organisations (CPOs), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Security Organisation involved in Special Operations. The Union Home Minister has also instituted three more Medals namely the Antarik Suraksha Medal, Asadharan Aashuchan Padak, and Utkrisht & Ati-Utkrisht Seva Medal.
Who among the given has been named as the Captain of India’s 18-member squad for the women’s hockey World Cup 2018?
(A) Rajani Etimarpu
(B) Rani Rampal
(C) Navjot Kaur
(D) Nikki Pradhan
Answer: (B) Rani Rampal- Rani Rampal has been named as the Captain of India’s 18-member squad for the women’s hockey World Cup while goalkeeper Savita will serve as her deputy in the World Cup to be played in London from July 21 to August 5, 2018. India have been placed in Pool B alongside hosts and world no. 2 England, world no. 7 USA and world no. 16 Ireland.
CRPF has constituted a team of lady commandos known as________________ to deal with the women stone pelters across Jammu & Kashmir border.
(A) Super 50
(B) Super 100
(C) Super 200
(D) Super 500
Answer: (D) Super 500- The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has prepared a team of lady commandos to deal with the rising number of women participants involved in the incident of stone pelting across Jammu & Kashmir region to target security forces. Dubbed as ‘Super 500′, the team of lady commandos have been given rigorous training which includes being blindfolded to deal with night-time deployment and repairing weapons in under a minute in case of any malfunction.
Which among the following entity has signed an SoI with Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC) to implement Fertilizer Subsidy Disbursement through Blockchain Technology?
(A) NITI Aayog
(B) Ministry of Finance
(C) NABARD
(D) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Answer: (A) NITI Aayog- NITI Aayog and Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC) have signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) today to work together towards implementing a Proof-of-Concept (“PoC”) application using Blockchain Technology for fertiliser subsidy management to make it more transparent and immune to leakages. They will jointly develop the use case, under take research, interact with multiple stakeholders, develop Blockchain solutions, exchange learnings, organise forums, and disseminate learnings across their networks.
According to the recently released first Delta Ranking of Aspirational Districts by NITI Aayog, which among the following districts has achieved the top spot?
(A) Asifabad district, Telangana
(B) Dahod district, Gujarat
(C) West Sikkim district, Sikkim
(D) Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh
Answer: (B) Dahod district, Gujarat- The NITI Aayog recently launched the first Delta ranking (incremental progress) for the Aspirational Districts, based on self-reported data of districts between March 31, 2018 to May 31, 2018. These ranking is based on five developmental areas of Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Water Resources, Financial Inclusion and Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure. Dahod district in Gujarat has been ranked first among 108 ‘aspirational districts’ by the NITI Aayog on the basis of incremental development over two months. West Sikkim district stood second.The NITI Aayog has ranked 108 districts out of 112 Aspirational Districts.
Name the Airport which has topped the global ranking list of 2018 OAG Punctual League released by British aviation intelligence firm OAG.
(A) Sharjah Airport, UAE
(B) Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, China
(C) Nagoya Komaki Airport, Japan
(D) Chicago O’Hare, US
Answer: (C) Nagoya Komaki Airport, Japan- Based upon a report by British aviation intelligence firm OAG, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has been ranked as the fifth least punctual airport in the world with a rank of 509 out of the 513 airports globally. These are among the findings in a report of 513 airports and 65 airlines across the world. The Nagoya Komaki Airport in Japan topped the global ranking list with an ‘on-time performance’ (OTP) rate of 94.5 percent. None of the major Indian airports figured among the top 200 in ‘on-time performance’ (OTP), but the small Port Blair airport in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands got the worldwide rank of 65, thanks to its punctuality rate of 84.6 percent.
The foundation stone for Gattu irrigation project has been laid down in which state recently?
(A) Gujarat
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Telangana
Answer: (D) Telangana- Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had laid foundation stone for Gattu irrigation project in Jogulamba Gadwal district. The project will provide water to 33,000 acres in four mandals in the district. The estimated cost of the project is Rs Rs 553.98 crore.
Which bank has been authorized by the government to issue and encash the fourth tranche of the sale of Electoral Bonds?
(A) IDBI Bank
(B) Reserve Bank of India
(C) State Bank of India
(D) HDFC Bank
Answer: (C) State Bank of India- The Government of India had notified the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018 on January 2, 2018. The Finance Ministry has announced that the fourth tranche of electoral bonds sale will take place from July 2-11. State Bank of India (SBI), in the 4th phase of sale, has been authorised to issue and encash Electoral Bonds through its 11 Authorised Branches. The sale of first batch of electoral bonds took place between March 1 and March 10, 2018. The second phase was launched on April 2 till April 10. The third phase took place during May 1-10.
The 9th meeting of Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on India-Nepal relations was held in which city?
(A) Kathmandu
(B) New Delhi
(C) Mumbai
(D) Pokhara
Answer: (A) Kathmandu- The ninth and final meeting of Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on India-Nepal relations concluded in Kathmandu on June 20 to discuss various bilateral issues including 1950 Peace and Friendship treaty, trade, transit and border during the two day meeting.
Name the Managing Director of State Bank of India who recently stepped down form the post.
(A) Rajnish Kumar
(B) B Sriram
(C) Ashok Kumar Pradhan
(D) Sanjeev Sharma
Answer: (B) B Sriram- State Bank of India (SBI) managing director B Sriram has resigned from the country’s largest lender after his appointment as chief executive of IDBI Bank. The government recently appointed Sriram as managing director and CEO of IDBI Bank for a temporary period of three months following M K Jain demitting office to take over as Deputy Governor of RBI.
The Virutal ID system of UIDAI rolled out from July 1 is a _____ digit number mapped with Aadhaar number.
(A) 16
(B) 12
(C) 9
(D) 15
Answer: (A) 16- The Aadhaar issuing authority Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has operationalized its Virtual ID system from 1 July. The Virtual ID is a 16-digit random number mapped with Aadhaar number. It can only be generated, replaced or revoked by the Aadhaar number holder. It has been introduced so that the actual 12-digit Aadhaar number need not be shared for authenticating identity. Banks have been given time till 31 August to migrate to the new system which supports authentication using Virtual IDs and UID tokens.
Girish Chandra Chaturvedi has been appointed as the non-executive chairman of which bank?
(A) Yes Bank
(B) HDFC
(C) ICICI
(D) Axis Bank
Answer: (C) ICICI- ICICI Bank has appointed former petroleum secretary Girish Chandra Chaturvedi as the company’s non-executive chairman. The term of office of incumbent M K Sharma expires on June 30, 2018.
As per President Ram Nath Kovind, Indian Economy to touch how much by 2025?
(A) $5 trillion
(B) $10 trillion
(C) $15 trillion
(D) $20 trillion
Answer: (A) $5 trillion-
President Ram Nath Kovind said the Indian economy is set for a surge in the next decade with the GDP size doubling to 5 trillion US dollars by 2025.
The Central Reserve Police Force launched which helpline also known as distress helpline for the people of Jammu and Kashmir?
(A) Rahagir
(B) Samabhavna
(C) Unnati
(D) Madadgaar
Answer:(D) Madadgaar- The Central Reserve Police Force launched “Madadgar Helpline”a distress helpline for the people of J&K, with the aim of providing immediate assistance to locals.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu released a commeromative coin of Rs.125 denomination to celebrate the birth anniversary of which Indian scientist?
(A) Prasad Chandra
(B) Vikram Sarabhai
(C) Prasanta Chandra Mahalonabis
(D) CV Raman
Answer: (C) Prasanta Chandra Mahalonabis- Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu released a commemorative of Rs.125 denomination to celebrate the birth anniversary of Scientist Prasanta Chandra Mahalonabis on 12th Statistics Day.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes extended the PAN-Aadhar linking deadline upto which date?
(A) April 31,2019
(B) March 31,2019
(C) December 31,2018
(D) December 31,2019
Answer: (B) March 31,2019-
UIDAI has made Virtual ID operational from July , 2018.Virtual ID consists of how many digits?
(A) 14
(B) 15
(C) 10
(D) 16
Answer:(D) 16- UIDAI has made virtual ID operational from July 1,2018 with its Authentication User Agencies (AUAs) which have migrated to VID and UID Token.It is a 16-digit random number mapped with Aadhar number.
Odisha Government signed a MoU with RIMES for effective management of disasters.What does “ I” stands for in RIMES?
(A) Immigration
(B) Integrated
(C) Inclusive
(D) Integration
Answer:(B) Integrated- Odisha Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Regional Integrated Multi Hazard Early Warning System(RIMES) for effective management of disasters.
Which state will be setting up the “first Khadi Mall” of the country?
(A) Jharkhand
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Telangana
(D) Odisha
Answer:(A) Jharkhand- Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das announced that the first “Khadi Mall” of the country will be opened in Ranchi.
Which state government announced a scheme called “Kanya Van Samruddhi Yojana”?
(A) Andra Pradesh
(B) Odisha
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer:(C) Maharashtra- The Maharashtra government announced a new scheme called “Kanya Van Samruddhi Yojana”, wherein farmers families where girl children are born, will be given saplings for plantation. The scheme is aimed at empowering women and promoting tree plantation.
Asia’s first Arbitration centre specialised in intellectual property is scheduled to be opened in which city?
(A) New York
(B) California
(C) Tokyo
(D) Vienna
Answer:(C) Tokyo- Asia’s first arbitration centre specialised in intellectual property is slated to open in Tokyo, Japan in September to resolve the growing number of disputes in the region.
According to US based think tank Brookings Report,which country replaced India to become world’s largest poor population?
(A) Estonia
(B) Denmark
(C) Austria
(D) Nigeria
Answer:(D) Nigeria- With the persistent decline in poverty, India is no longer a nation having the largest number of poor people in the world, according to a study published by the US-based think tank, Brookings.Nigeria have overtaken it.
According to Union Minister Arun Jaitley ,how much increase was observed in direct tax collections after GST?
(A) 25%
(B) 20%
(C) 18%
(D) 15%
Answer:(C) 18%- Union Minister Arun Jaitley said that after the implementation of the Goods and Service Tax (GST), there was an increase of 18% in Direct tax collections.
Which country won the Robobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy held at Netherlands?
(A) Australia
(B) Denmark
(C) China
(D) Pakistan
Answer:(A) Australia- Australia defeated India 3-1 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw to clinch the Rabobank Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Breda 2018 held in Breda, Netherlands. India’s PR Sreejesh was awarded the goalkeeper of the tournament.
Which country’s football team has decided not to participate in 2018 Asian Games?
(A) Australia
(B) India
(C) USA
(D) Brazil
Answer:(B) India- Indian Football Teams faced a major setback as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided against sending its senior teams to the Asian Games.
Who was appointed as MD and CEO of IDBI Bank?
(A) P S Jayakumar
(B) B Sriram
(C) Anish Basu
(D) Rajnish Kumar
Answer:(B) B Sriram- State Bank of India’s former Managing Director B.Sriram took charge as MD and CEO of IDBI Bnak. Sriram was recently appointed as the chief of financially troubled IDBI Bank for a period of three months.
Who has been appointed as president of International Kabaddi Federation?
(A) Mahesh Kumar Singh
(B) Praful Mehta
(C) Janardan Singh Gehlot
(D) Himanta Biswa Sharma
Answer:(C) Janardan Singh Gehlot- India’s Janardan Singh Gehlot , an Indian sports administrator, has been elected as the president of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) for the next four years.
Who has been conferred with National Kalidas Samman for visual arts?
(A) Murali Baskar
(B) Anjolie Ela Menon
(C) Ravi Kumar
(D) None of these
Answer:(B) Anjolie Ela Menon- Artist Anjolie Ela Menon won the National Kalidas Samman from the Madhya Pradesh government. The award was conferred in recognition of her insightful and sensitive portrayal of the identity and spirit of women through her meaningful paintings in a variety of media.
Government of India celebrated which day as “GST Day”?
(A) July 2
(B) June 30
(C) July 1
(D) June 29
Answer:(C) July 1- The government of India celebrated July 1, 2018, as ‘GST Day’ to mark the first anniversary of the new indirect tax regime.
UN Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day is celebrated on which of the following dates?
[A] 27 June
[B] 26 June
[C] 25 June
[D] 28 June
Answer:A [27 June]- United Nations has designated June 27 as Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day through its resolution 71/279. The first such day was observed in 2017 while 2nd UN Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day has been celebrated on June 27, 2018.
What is the initial subsidy approved by the government for MSMER clusters under its new Solar Charkha Mission?
Answer:C [Rs. 550 Crore]- On occasion of 2nd UN Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, 2018, President of India Ram Nath Kovind launched the Solar Charkha Mission covering artisans in 50 identified clusters. The mission will provide a subsidy of Rs 550 crore in the initial two years for 50 clusters and every cluster will employ 400 to 2000 artisans. Objective is to link 5 crore women to this initiative. The mission will generate employment in rural areas and contribute to the green economy.
Which of the following state governments have launched Kanya Van Samruddhi Yojana recently?
Answer:B [Maharashtra]- Kanya Van Samruddhi Yojana is a new scheme of Maharashtra government in which farmers families where girl children are born, will be given saplings for plantation. The saplings will be of different varieties, including teakwood, mango, jackfruit, black plum and tamarind. The scheme will be applicable for maximum two girls. Income from these trees will safeguard future of gril child.
Which of the following states in India has maximum number of Unesco World Heritage Sites?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Maharashtra
Answer:D [Maharashtra]- Currently, Maharashtra has total five Unesco World Heritage Sites and this number is highest among all states and UTs in India. The sites include Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings of South Mumbai.
At present (June, 2018), which of the following state governments Disaster Management Authorities are working with Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES)?
[A] Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha and Tamil Nadu
[C] West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
[D] Goa and Karnataka
Answer:B [Odisha and Tamil Nadu]- In June 2018, Odisha government entered into a collaboration with the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), an intergovernmental body under United Nations. RIMES has 48 member nations among Asia Pacific and Africa Region and is aimed at automating risk management, advisory generation and dissemination. This body had evolved in the aftermath of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami due to efforts of African and Asian Countries.
Which of the following districts have topped the first Delta ranking released in June 2018 by NITI Aayog that captures incremental improvements of Aspirational districts on health, education and other development parameters?
Answer:B [Dahod (Gujarat)]- Gujarat’s Dahod district topped the first Delta ranking released today by NITI Aayog that captures incremental improvements of Aspirational districts on health, education and other development parameters. Transformation of Aspirational District’s programme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for quickly and effectively transforming some of the most underdeveloped districts of the country. In the recent list, Dahod district of Gujarat improved 19.8 points to rank first. West Sikkim district in Sikkim stood second with 18.9 points.
The ‘IPledgefor9′ Achievers Awards are related to which of the following government schemes?
[A] Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
[B] Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
[C] Pradhanmantri Ujjawala Yojana
[D] PradhanMantri Mudra Yojana
Answer:B [Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan]- ‘IPledgefor9′ Achievers Awards were given recently to individuals and teams of doctors from the private sector and States for their exemplary services, outstanding support of institutions and commitment from support partners in achieving PMSMA’s objectives of safe motherhood to every woman in the country. These awards were established to celebrate individual and team achievements and acknowledge voluntary contributions for PMSMA in states and districts across India.
Which of the following apps have been launched by government in June 2018 to track and trace missing and abandoned children in India?
[A] Pathway [B] Scout
[C] Rummage
[D] ReUnite Answer:D [ReUnite]- Union Minister Suresh Prabhu has launched a mobile application called ReUnite; helps to track and trace missing and abandoned children in India. It also uses Amazon Rekognition, web facial recognition service to identify missing kids.
What was the theme of Statistics Day – 2018?
[A] Statistics for Common Man
[B] Quality Assurance in Official Statistics
[C] Statistics for New India
[D] Statistics for Development
Answer:B [Quality Assurance in Official Statistics]- The theme selected for the Statistics Day this year is ‘‘Quality Assurance in Official Statistics’ for focused discussions and efforts throughout the year, aimed at bringing about improvements in the selected area.
What is India’s rank is 2018 Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI)?
[A] 35
[B] 37
[C] 39
[D] 42
Answer:A [35]- India has moved up one place from 36 in 2016 to 35th spot in 2018 on JLL’s Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI) aided by improvement in market fundamentals, policy reforms, and liberalization of FDI. The report covers 100 markets and is based on 186 indicators divided into six areas –performance measurement, market fundamentals, governance of listed vehicles, regulatory & legal frameworks, transaction process and environmental sustainability.
Who has been elected the new Director General (DG) of International Organization for Migration (IOM)?
[A] Christine A. Elder
[B] Abraham Hanson
[C] Antonio Vitorino
[D] George Crennan
Answer:C [Antonio Vitorino]- Antonio Vitorino, a lawyer and politician from Portugal, has been elected Director General of International Organization for Migration (IOM). He will succeed William Lacy Swing on 1st October 2018. IOM is the UN Migration Agency and is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration with over 10,000 staff serving in over 400 offices across more than 150 countries. It provides services and advice to Governments and migrants, such as humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.
India has pledged how much amount of aid to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)?
[A] $5 million
[B] $10 million
[C] $25 million
[D] $30 million
Answer:A [$5 million]- India has pledged $5 million in assistance to the UN agency working for the welfare of Palestinian refugees to help bolster its “severe funding crisis” following US’ cut in its annual aid to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). A total of 20 countries, including India, announced contributions to the 2018 budget of the UNRWA for Palestine Refugees in the Near East during a meeting. While India pledged $5 million, Sweden will contribute $250 million over four years, the UK $51 million and the UAE $50 million among other donors. UNRWA has been providing health, education, relief and social services, as well as emergency humanitarian assistance, to some 5.3 million Palestinian refugees across its five fields of operation — Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip — for 65 years.
The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of which Indian city has recently declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
[A] Pondicherry
[B] Panaji
[C] Mumbai
[D] Kochi
Answer:C [Mumbai]- In a remarkable achievement, the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai has been declared as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 30th June 2018. The decision was taken at the 42nd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at Manama in Bahrain. This makes Mumbai city the second city in India after Ahmedabad to be included on the World Heritage List. Now, India has overall 37 World Heritage Inscriptions with 29 Cultural, 07 Natural and 01 Mixed sites. While India stands second largest in number after China in terms of number of World Heritage properties in ASPAC (Asia and Pacific) region, it is overall sixth in the world.
Which state government has signed pact with the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) for effective disaster management?
Answer:D [Odisha ]- On June 29, the Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) for enhancing early warning system for effective management of all kinds of disaster in the state, including flood, drought, heat wave, lightning, and road accidents. The MoU will help state government to integrate new generation digital algorithm-based technologies and best practices from 48 RIMES member countries with the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). The RIMES is a UN Registered international and inter- governmental institution, owned and managed by its 48 Members and Collaborating States for building capacities in the generation and application of user-relevant early warning information.
The 2018 International Day of Tropics is observed on which date?
[A] June 22
[B] June 24
[C] June 27
[D] June 29
Answer:D [June 29 ]- The International Day of Tropics is observed every year on June 29 to raise awareness to the specific challenges faced by tropical areas, the far-reaching implications of the issues affecting the world’s tropical zone and the need, at all levels, to raise awareness and to underline the important role that countries in the tropics will play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The day celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the tropics while highlighting unique challenges and opportunities nations of the Tropics face. It provides an opportunity to take stock of progress across the tropics, to share tropical stories and expertise and to acknowledge the diversity and potential of the region.
English Idioms and Phrases are important for the competitive exams like CDS NDA AFCAT UPSC etc. They come up all the time in different competitive exams in English paper. Having good knowledge of Idioms will help you to score around 10-20 marks in your English question paper for various exams like CDS AFCAT NDA Bank UPSC SSC etc. Idioms don’t always make sense literally, they are different words with different meanings and usage. To understand the Idioms, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of each idiom. Learning idioms will be easy and the best way to understand and remember Idioms is by comparing English idioms to the idioms in your own language.
The candidates who are preparing for the NDA AFCAT CDS exam in 2022 – 2023 can read the Useful Idioms & Phrases given below. Reading idioms daily and gaining enough knowledge of Idioms and Phrases will help you to score more marks in your English paper.
Below you can find the list of Idioms and Phrases for the competitive exams
COMMON ENGLISH IDIOMS
List of most common English Idioms for the competitive exams.
Idiom
Meaning
Usage
A blessing in disguise
a good thing that seemed bad at first
as part of a sentence
A dime a dozen
Something common
as part of a sentence
Beat around the bush
Avoid saying what you mean, usually because it is uncomfortable
as part of a sentence
Better late than never
Better to arrive late than not to come at all
by itself
Bite the bullet
To get something over with because it is inevitable
as part of a sentence
Break a leg
Good luck
by itself
Call it a day
Stop working on something
as part of a sentence
Cut somebody some slack
Don’t be so critical
as part of a sentence
Cutting corners
Doing something poorly in order to save time or money
as part of a sentence
Easy does it
Slow down
by itself
Get out of hand
Get out of control
as part of a sentence
Get something out of your system
Do the thing you’ve been wanting to do so you can move on
as part of a sentence
Get your act together
Work better or leave
by itself
Give someone the benefit of the doubt
Trust what someone says
as part of a sentence
Go back to the drawing board
Start over
as part of a sentence
Hang in there
Don’t give up
by itself
Hit the sack
Go to sleep
as part of a sentence
It’s not rocket science
It’s not complicated
by itself
Let someone off the hook
To not hold someone responsible for something
as part of a sentence
Make a long story short
Tell something briefly
as part of a sentence
Miss the boat
It’s too late
as part of a sentence
No pain, no gain
You have to work for what you want
by itself
On the ball
Doing a good job
as part of a sentence
Pull someone’s leg
To joke with someone
as part of a sentence
Pull yourself together
Calm down
by itself
So far so good
Things are going well so far
by itself
Speak of the devil
The person we were just talking about showed up!
by itself
That’s the last straw
My patience has run out
by itself
The best of both worlds
An ideal situation
as part of a sentence
Time flies when you’re having fun
You don’t notice how long something lasts when it’s fun
by itself
To get bent out of shape
To get upset
as part of a sentence
To make matters worse
Make a problem worse
as part of a sentence
Under the weather
Sick
as part of a sentence
We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it
Let’s not talk about that problem right now
by itself
Wrap your head around something
Understand something complicated
as part of a sentence
You can say that again
That’s true, I agree
by itself
Your guess is as good as mine
I have no idea
by itself
COMMON ENGLISH IDIOMS & EXPRESSIONS
List of common English Idioms and expressions for the competitive exams.
Idiom
Meaning
Usage
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
What you have is worth more than what you might have later
by itself
A penny for your thoughts
Tell me what you’re thinking
by itself
A penny saved is a penny earned
Money you save today you can spend later
by itself
A perfect storm
the worst possible situation
as part of a sentence
A picture is worth 1000 words
Better to show than tell
by itself
Actions speak louder than words
Believe what people do and not what they say
by itself
Add insult to injury
To make a bad situation worse
as part of a sentence
Barking up the wrong tree
To be mistaken, to be looking for solutions in the wrong place
as part of a sentence
Birds of a feather flock together
People who are alike are often friends (usually used negatively)
by itself
Bite off more than you can chew
Take on a project that you cannot finish
as part of a sentence
Break the ice
Make people feel more comfortable
as part of a sentence
By the skin of your teeth
Just barely
as part of a sentence
Comparing apples to oranges
Comparing two things that cannot be compared
as part of a sentence
Costs an arm and a leg
Very expensive
as part of a sentence
Do something at the drop of a hat
Do something without having planned beforehand
as part of a sentence
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Treat people fairly. Also known as “The Golden Rule”
by itself
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Don’t count on something good happening until it’s happened.
by itself
Don’t cry over spilt milk
There’s no reason to complain about something that can’t be fixed
by itself
Don’t give up your day job
You’re not very good at this
by itself
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
What you’re doing is too risky
by itself
Every cloud has a silver lining
Good things come after bad things
by itself
Get a taste of your own medicine
Get treated the way you’ve been treating others (negative)
as part of a sentence
Give someone the cold shoulder
Ignore someone
as part of a sentence
Go on a wild goose chase
To do something pointless
as part of a sentence
Good things come to those who wait
Be patient
by itself
He has bigger fish to fry
He has bigger things to take care of than what we are talking about now
by itself
He’s a chip off the old block
The son is like the father
by itself
Hit the nail on the head
Get something exactly right
by itself
Ignorance is bliss
You’re better off not knowing
by itself
It ain’t over till the fat lady sings
This isn’t over yet
by itself
It takes one to know one
You’re just as bad as I am
by itself
It’s a piece of cake
It’s easy
by itself
It’s raining cats and dogs
It’s raining hard
by itself
Kill two birds with one stone
Get two things done with a single action
by itself
Let the cat out of the bag
Give away a secret
as part of a sentence
Live and learn
I made a mistake
by itself
Look before you leap
Take only calculated risks
by itself
On thin ice
On probation. If you make another mistake, there will be trouble.
as part of a sentence
Once in a blue moon
Rarely
as part of a sentence
Play devil’s advocate
To argue the opposite, just for the sake of argument
as part of a sentence
Put something on ice
Put a projet on hold
as part of a sentence
Rain on someone’s parade
To spoil something
as part of a sentence
Saving for a rainy day
Saving money for later
as part of a sentence
Slow and steady wins the race
Reliability is more important than speed
by itself
Spill the beans
Give away a secret
as part of a sentence
Take a rain check
Postpone a plan
as part of a sentence
Take it with a grain of salt
Don’t take it too seriously
as part of a sentence
The ball is in your court
It’s your decision
by itself
The best thing since sliced bread
A really good invention
as part of a sentence
The devil is in the details
It looks good from a distance, but when you look closer, there are problems
by itself
The early bird gets the worm
The first people who arrive will get the best stuff
by itself
The elephant in the room
The big issue, the problem people are avoiding
as part of a sentence
The whole nine yards
Everything, all the way.
as part of a sentence
There are other fish in the sea
It’s ok to miss this opportunity. Others will arise.
by itself
There’s a method to his madness
He seems crazy but actually he’s clever
by itself
There’s no such thing as a free lunch
Nothing is entirely free
by itself
Throw caution to the wind
Take a risk
as part of a sentence
You can’t have your cake and eat it too
You can’t have everything
by itself
You can’t judge a book by its cover
This person or thing may look bad, but it’s good inside
by itself
FAMILIAR ENGLISH IDIOMS & PROVERBS
List of difficult English Idioms for the competitive exams.
Idiom
Meaning
Usage
A little learning is a dangerous thing
People who don’t understand something fully are dangerous
by itself
A snowball effect
Events have momentum and build upon each other
as part of a sentence
A snowball’s chance in hell
No chance at all
as part of a sentence
A stitch in time saves nine
Fix the problem now because it will get worse later
by itself
A storm in a teacup
A big fuss about a small problem
as part of a sentence
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Apples are good for you
by itself
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
You can prevent a problem with little effort. Fixing it later is harder.
by itself
As right as rain
Perfect
as part of a sentence
Bolt from the blue
Something that happened without warning
as part of a sentence
Burn bridges
Destroy relationships
as part of a sentence
Calm before the storm
Something bad is coming, but right now it’s calm
as part of a sentence
Come rain or shine
No matter what
as part of a sentence
Curiosity killed the cat
Stop asking questions
by itself
Cut the mustard
Do a good job
as part of a sentence
Don’t beat a dead horse
Move on, this subject is over
by itself
Every dog has his day
Everyone gets a chance at least once
by itself
Familiarity breeds contempt
The better you know someone the less you like him
by itself
Fit as a fiddle
In good health
as part of a sentence
Fortune favours the bold
Take risks
by itself
Get a second wind
Have more energy after having been tired
as part of a sentence
Get wind of something
Hear news of something secret
as part of a sentence
Go down in flames
Fail spectacularly
as part of a sentence
Haste makes waste
You’ll make mistakes if you rush through something
by itself
Have your head in the clouds
Not be concentrating
as part of a sentence
He who laughs last laughs loudest
I’ll get you back for what you did
by itself
Hear something straight from the horse’s mouth
Hear something from the person involved
as part of a sentence
He’s not playing with a full deck
He’s dumb
by itself
He’s off his rocker
He’s crazy
by itself
He’s sitting on the fence
He can’t make up his mind
by itself
It is a poor workman who blames his tools
If you can’t do the job, don’t blame it on others
by itself
It is always darkest before the dawn
Things are going to get better
by itself
It takes two to tango
One person alone isn’t responsible. Both people are involved.
by itself
Jump on the bandwagon
Follow a trend, do what everyone else is doing
as part of a sentence
Know which way the wind is blowing
Understand the situation (usually negative)
as part of a sentence
Leave no stone unturned
Look everywhere
as part of a sentence
Let sleeping dogs lie
Stop discussing an issue
as part of a sentence
Like riding a bicycle
Something you never forget how to do
as part of a sentence
Like two peas in a pod
They’re always together
as part of a sentence
Make hay while the sun shines
Take advantage of a good situation
as part of a sentence
On cloud nine
Very happy
as part of a sentence
Once bitten, twice shy
You’re more cautious when you’ve been hurt before
by itself
Out of the frying pan and into the fire
Things are going from bad to worse
by itself
Run like the wind
Run fast
as part of a sentence
Shape up or ship out
Work better or leave
by itself
Snowed under
Busy
as part of a sentence
That ship has sailed
It’s too late
by itself
The pot calling the kettle black
Someone criticizing someone else he is just as bad
as part of a sentence
There are clouds on the horizon
Trouble is coming
by itself
Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones
People who are morally questionable shouldn’t criticize others
by itself
Through thick and thin
In good times and in bad times
as part of a sentence
Time is money
Work quickly
by itself
Waste not, want not
Don’t waste things and you’ll always have enough
by itself
We see eye to eye
We agree
by itself
Weather the storm
Go through something difficult
as part of a sentence
Well begun is half done
Getting a good start is important
by itself
When it rains it pours
Everything is going wrong at once
by itself
You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar
You’ll get what you want by being nice
by itself
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink
You can’t force someone to make the right decision
by itself
You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs
There’s always a cost to doing something
by itself
Hope you liked the list of Idioms and Phrases in the post, you can go through them daily and learn more about these idioms, not only for your exams, but you can use them in your day to day life.
